Japanese Visas for Russians Have Become More Accessible

The General Consulate of Japan in St. Petersburg announced that, starting from February 17, 2025, the requirement to provide a hotel booking confirmation has been lifted. The demand for trips to Japan among Russians is growing, visas are issued quickly, the rejection rate is minimal, and there is no consular fee. No prior appointment is required.

Russian citizens who wish to obtain a Japanese visa must fill out an application form—this can be done in Japanese or English, either handwritten or on a computer. Applicants must also provide:

- Photographs (34 × 45 mm)
- International passport
- Copy of internal passport (pages with a photo and residential registration)
- Proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement (from a Russian or foreign bank) and an employment verification letter indicating salary

Additionally, the required documents include flight reservations and a travel itinerary. The itinerary must be filled out in English or Japanese, detailing entry and exit dates, flight numbers, hotel names, addresses, and phone numbers. A detailed travel plan is recommended.

For those applying for a multiple-entry visa, an explanation letter justifying frequent visits is required—written in English or Japanese. A special ready-made form can also be used.

If an applicant submits documents or collects their passport via another person, a simple written authorization must be provided, including the representative’s contact details and Russian internal passport information. Notarization is not required. However, consular staff emphasize that at the time of submission via authorization, the visa applicant must be physically present in Russia. Documents should preferably be A4 size and unstapled.

Growing Russian Interest in Traveling to Japan

The Association of Russian Tour Operators reports that in 2024, Japan welcomed 99,300 Russian tourists, an increase of 136.6% compared to 2023 (41,960 visitors). In December 2024 alone, 5,900 Russians visited Japan—1.8 times more than in December 2023, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

In 2024, Japan received nearly 36.87 million foreign tourists, 15.6% higher than pre-pandemic 2019 and 47.1% more than in 2023. The top three source countries were South Korea (8.81 million visitors), China (6.98 million), and Taiwan (6.04 million). Russia ranked among the fastest-growing markets, with visits increasing 2.3 times, second only to China (2.9 times increase).

Russian tour operators confirm rising demand. In 2024:
- ITM Group recorded a 55% increase in bookings
- BSI Group reported a 75% growth in sales
- Space Travel registered a fourfold rise compared to 2023

According to market estimates, the spring cherry blossom season (late March to early April) remains the most popular travel period for Russians. Autumn maple leaf season is also in high demand. Most travelers prefer classic sightseeing routes, particularly the "Golden Route", which includes Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Favorable Conditions for Russian Travelers

According to Space Travel experts, growing transit options via China and Japan’s lenient visa policies have contributed to the rise in Russian tourism. Japanese visas are issued quickly, with a low rejection rate. BSI Group states that organized tour groups receive visas in 5–7 days.

The 2025 season has already shown high demand, particularly for sakura-viewing trips. The number of bookings has exceeded 2024 levels by 10–20%. Spring tours are primarily group-based, with some individual trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities. ITM Group reports that autumn tours (maple leaf season) are also in demand.

However, growth is somewhat limited by Japanese hotels, which are hesitant to release rooms or group rates in advance. Many prefer to wait and gauge demand before setting prices.

Costs of Spring Tours to Japan

The estimated prices for spring sightseeing tours for two people (excluding airfare unless stated otherwise):

"Legends and Lights of Tokyo" (8 days) – $3,490 (319,000 RUB)
"Sakura: Golden Route" (9 days, incl. Moscow flight) – $5,700 (519,000 RUB)
"Japan from East to West + Hot Springs" (incl. Moscow flight) – $7,260 (635,000 RUB)
"Cherry Blossom Viewing" (9 days, incl. Moscow flights, meals) – $7,460 (681,900 RUB)

Experts predict that if the current exchange rate, visa policies, and transit airfare remain stable, demand for Japan tours in 2025 could grow by 30–40% compared to 2024.